Kearney First UMC Podcasts

Who Is Jesus: What Are You a Disciple Of?

Welcome!  In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen asks: "Who or what are you a disciple of and how is that working out for you?"  The things and people we follow are reflected in how we live our lives.  What is your strongest reflection?

Who Is Jesus: Manifestation

Welcome!  In this sermon, Pastor Matt shares insight into the hopes for this year's series. This series and this year's reading plans may help us grow in understanding, but our greater hope is that through the Gospels of John and Matthew in the summer and fall, we will see Jesus as the light that illumines our lives as we continue to follow Him.

Who Is Jesus? Diving Into John: Incarnation

Welcome!  In this podcast, Pastor Jo Ellen shares a story originally heard on Paul Harvey's radio show.  This story about a man, a snow storm, and birds helps us understand why God needed to become human for our sakes.

Who Is Jesus? Diving into John: An Introduction

Happy New Year!  In this podcast, Pastor Matt explains some changes coming to the midweek podcast episodes. We are changing this podcast's focus to be a mini Bible study to help us grow in our faith.  Our Sunday sermons will focus on Jesus through the gospels of John and Matthew.  We have a reading plan available in print and on our website and it's about a chapter a week beginning in John from Epiphany through Pentecost then Matthew Pentecost to Advent. These midweek podcasts will focus on segments of the non-preached passages of scripture from the pastor who didn't preach on the chapter.

Words for the Beginning: Lessons and Laughter

Welcome to the last Sunday of our Advent series! In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen, Jen Gibbs, and Jeanine Spangler lead us through several short lessons and scripture to remind us to be joyful in the new year.

Reflection for Christmas: Beautiful Doesn't Need to be Perfect

Merry Christmas! Welcome to our midweek podcast.  In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen reflects on the importance of finding joy in what we have.  She reminds us not to worry about things that are imperfect or not how we expect them to be as things don't need to be perfect to be beautiful.

Words for the Beginning: Hope is Worth the Risk

Welcome to the fourth Sunday of Advent!  Our Advent series focuses on words for new beginnings and blessings that we may need reminders of.  In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen reminds us we are each selected to fill a role: to live a life of active and vibrant faith in Jesus Christ being bringers of light and hope to the world.

Poking the Bear: Kingdom, Kin-dom, and Loosening the Chains of Injustice

Welcome to our midweek podcast!  In this episode, Pastor Matt expands on points from his Sunday sermon, doing the good that is yours to do. Looking at the words of the prophets, Pastor Matt reminds us that God calls us to loose the chains of injustice, which may be uncomfortable for us.  Jesus came to expand God's "kingdom" and "kin-dom." So what is the Christian's role with power and relationship? What is the Christian role in the broader world?  Is stopping at just "doing the good that is our to do" letting Christian folk off too easily? 

Words for the Beginning: Do the Good That Is Yours To Do

Welcome to the third Sunday of Advent!  Our Advent series focuses on words for new beginnings and blessings that we may need reminders of.  In this sermon, Pastor Matt reminds us that God calls and equips us to work in His new kingdom.  Even when conflict and strife abound in the news, we all have good to do in the world.  Whether it is big or small, let us do the good that is ours to do.

Poking the Bear: Is Church Community Important?

Welcome to our midweek podcast!  In this episode, Pastor Matt expands on points from his Sunday sermon and challenges us to think beyond the individuality mindset we often have.  In a culture that focuses on individuality, we may need to take a step back and remember that we are called to community.  Our Sunday morning thoughts and actions shouldn't be limited to Sunday mornings, but rather should be our everyday life.